Fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed

ABSTRACT

A metallic, leak proof fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed wherein apron-like elements are provided in association with each side of the web of each rail and make a fluid tight seal therewith, while being electrically insulated therefrom. Central collector pans in endwise relationship are affixed to those portions of the ties between the rails. Pairs of side collector pans in endwise relationship are affixed to the end portions of the ties outside the rails. Each rail apron is located adjacent one of the side or central collector pans. One or more cross drains, recessed between adjacent pairs of ties and extending transversely of the fluid collection assembly, may be located at the ends of the central and side collector pans. The rail aprons drain to the collector pans and the collector pans, in turn, drain to cross drains. Each cross drain may be provided with a telescoping sleeve protected by a trash screen and connected to a suitable underground piping system. A plurality of the fluid collection assemblies may be provided in end-to-end relationship to form a continuous fluid collection system.

United States Patent Schoulties et a1.

[ Nov. 20, 1973 FLUID COLLECTION ASSEMBLY FOR RAILROAD ROADBED [75] Inventors: Allan P. Schoulties, Highland Heights, Ky.; James C. Schluter, Monroe, Ohio [73] Assignee: Armco Steel Corporation,

Middletown, Ohio [22] Filed: Jan. 13, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 217,530

[52] US. Cl. 238/2 [51] Int. Cl E0lb 21/02 [58] Field of Search 238/1, 2, 3, 4; 94/33 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,408,134 2/1922 ODonnell 238/2 2,492,177 12/1949 Olsen 238/7 1,793,779 2/1931 Dailey et al 238/8 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Richard A. Bertsch AttorneyJ0hn W. Melville et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A metallic, leak proof fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed wherein apron-like elements are provided in association with each side of the web of each rail and make a fluid tight seal therewith, while being electrically insulated therefrom. Central collector pans in endwise relationship are affixed to those portions of the ties between the rails. Pairs of side collector pans in endwise relationship are affixed to the end portions of the ties outside the rails. Each rail apron is located adjacent one of the side or central collector pans. One or more cross drains, recessed between adjacent pairs of ties and extending transversely of the fluid collection assembly, may be located at the ends of the central and side collector pans. The rail aprons drain to the collector pans and the collector pans, in turn, drain to cross drains. Each cross drain may be provided with a telescoping sleeve protected by a trash screen and connected to a suitable underground piping system. A plurality of the fluid collection assemblies may be provided in end-to-end relationship to form a continuous fluid collection system.

23 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PAIENTEB HUV 2 0 1973 IIIIIIIIIIHD FLUID COLLETION ASSEMBLY FOR RAILROAD ROADBED BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a fluid collection system, and more particularly to a metallic, leak proof fluid" collection system for railroad roadbed, which system is electrically insulated from the rails.

2. Description of the Prior Art There are a number of instances wherein a fluid collection system is desirable or required in associationwith railroad roadbed. One such. instance, for example, is in association with a fueling station for diesel locomotives and the like. It will be understood that spilled or dripping fuel, oil and similar liquids not only can lead to a pollution problem, but also can represent a fire hazard and can present unsafe walkingv conditions for workmen. Additional exemplary instances where afluid collection-system is desired or required in association with railroad roadbed include washingfacilitiesfor locomotives and cars and other shop facilities where water, detergent, lubrication oils or the like would therwise be lost. Finally, such fluid collection systems are frequently found at industrial installations where liquids are transferred to or from railroad cars with the chance of spillage.

Prior workers have provided a number of different kinds of fluid collection systems. For example, it is common practice to provide elaborate underground structures requiring specialized roadbed. However, such structures are permanent, expensive toinstall, difficult to maintain and repair, and require interruption of traffic during their installation.

Another typical prior art solution comprises the provision of concrete fluid collection systems. Again, however, such systems are permanent, require elaborate and expensive foundations and necessitate the interrpution of rail traffic during installation. Furthermore, they are subject to cracking, resulting in: leakage, and rendering them difiicult and expensive to maintain and repair.

The present invention provides positive, leak proof metallic fluid collection assemblies electrically insutraction or other movement of the rails will not affect its leak proof properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Broadly, the invention relates to a fluid collection system for railroad roadbed, made up of one or more fluid collection assemblies. In its most complete form, each fluid collection assembly comprises central pans located between the rails and affixed to the ties in endwise relationship and pairs of side collector pans affixed to the endsof the ties outside the rails. Transversely of the fluid collection assembly there are one or more cross drains recessed between adjacent pairs of ties and located at the ends of the collector pans. Means are provided to connect the cross drain to an underground piping system. Additional means may be provided to prevent trash, debris and foreign matter from passing from the cross drain to the underground piping system.

In some installations only one or more central collector pans may be used. Similarly, in other installations only side collector pansmay be used. In fact, any combination of collector pans may be provided to suit the requirements of a particular location.

Each fluid collection assembly also has a rail apron associated with each collector pan Each rail apron. is configuredto drain into the adjacent one of the collector pans. Each rail apron has a gasket means by which a fluid tight seal is made between the rail apron and the rail web with which it is associated. Means are alsoprovided to electrically insulate each rail apron: from its'related from the rails. The assemblies are sealed to the rails in fluid tight fashion to eliminate leakage. They are above ground and require no elaborate undergroundstructures or foundations. No special roadbed is needed and they may be installed onexisting roadbed without interference to rail traffic or the use of the facilities they protect during their installation.

The steel aprons and collector pans of each assembly are fluid tight, crack free and will remain that way. Since they are above ground, they are readily visible and accessible for normal upkeep. Furthermore, they may be easily moved and reused in other areas if conditions require.

The nature of the fluid collection assemblies of the present invention is such that they may be varied in length or width to meet the needs of a: specific installation. Similarly, they may vary with respect to the number and type of collector pans and rail aprons used. A plurality of fluid collection. assemblies may be located in end-to-end relationship to provide a continuous collection system when desired. Finally, the structure of the present invention is such that expansion and conspective rail.

Eachi fluid collection assembly may also have walkway grating means to present a safe and non-slippery walkway surface for workmen.

As will be evident from the various embodiments described hereinafter, the central and: side collector pans may be afi'ixed to the ties in various ways. Similarly, the rail aprons may be affixed to the rail webs by bolts or the like; or they may be integral with their respective collector pans; or means may be provided by which they are mounted to the ties. In any event, the rail aprons are both electrically insulated from the rails and form a fluid tight seal therewith.

Inall of the embodiments, a plurality of fluid collector assemblies may be provided in end-to-end relationship with sealing means to prevent leaks between assemblies. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the assemblies are such as to permit expansion: and contraction of the rails while maintaining their fluid tight characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is afragmentary plan view of a fluid collector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3" is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 4-4 of FIG. I and illustrating one means by which the rail aprons may be affixed to the rail webs and make a fluid tight seal therewith, while being electrically insulated therefrom.

FIG. 5 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 and illustrates anumber of fluid collector assemblies of FIG. I joined together to make a continuous fluid collection system.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 6-43 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view, similar to FIG. 1, and illustrates another embodiment of the fluid collector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 99 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional elevational view illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rail aprons are integral with the collector pans.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating the fluid tight and electrically insulative seal between the rail aprons and the rails in the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating the manner in which the integral rail apron and collector pan structure of the embodiment of FIG. 11 is affixed to the ties.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating the manner in which the outermost edges of the side collector pans of the embodiment of FIG. 11 are anchored.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein means are provided to affix the rail aprons to the ties.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a fluid collector assembly of the present invention. In these Figures, the roadbed is generally indicated at 1 and includes a plurality of ties 2 in spaced and substantially parallel relationship. Each tie is provided with the usual pair of tie plates 3 and 4 supporting a pair of railroad rails 5 and 6. From this description, it will be evident that the rails and the roadbed are conventional. The ties may be ballasted with gravel, cinders or the like (not shown) where desired.

The fluid collection assembly comprises a pair of central collector pans 7 and 8. The pans 7 and 8 are located between the rails 5 and 6 in endwise relationship with their adjacent ends slightly spaced from each other, as will be described hereinafter. The central collector pan 7 has upstanding longitudinal edges 7a and 7b and an upstanding end edge 7c. The central collector pan 8 is provided with similar upstanding edges 8a, 8b and 8c.

As will be noted from FIG. 2, the central collector pan 7 has a pair of longitudinally extending angle irons 9 and 10 affixed to its side edges 70 and 7b. The angle irons 9 and 10 are provided with appropriate perforations so that the pan 7 may be affixed to the ties upon which it rests by means of lag bolts, two of .which are shown at 11 and 12 in FIG. 2. It will be understood that the central collector pan 8 has similar angle iron members, one of which is shown at 13 in FIG, 4. The pan 8 will be affixed to the ties upon which it rests by lag bolts, one of which is shown at 14. I

On the outside of rail 6 a pair of side collector pans l5 and 16 are shown in FIG. 1. The side collector pan 15 has upstanding longitudinal, edge portions 15a and 15b. It also has an upstanding end edge 15c. The side collector pan 16 is provided with similar. upstanding edges 160, 16c and 16b. The upstanding edges 15a and 16a may be slightly higher than the remaining upstanding edges. This is illustrated, for example, at in FIG.

The side collector pan 15 is provided with'a longitudinally extending angle iron 17 affixed to theoutside surface of its upstanding edge 15b. As in the case of the angle irons 9 and 10 on the central collector pan 7, the angle iron 17 may be appropriately perforated to receive a series of lag bolts, by which the pan 15 is affixed to the ties upon which it rests. One of the lag bolts is indicated at 18 in FIG. 2. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the side collector pan 16 is provided with a similar angle iron member 19 affixed to its upstanding edge 16b (see FIG. 4). Thus, the pan 16 is affixed to the ties upon which it rests by lag bolt passing through perforations in the angle iron member 19. One such lag bolt is shown at 20 in FIG. 4.

It will be noted from FIGS. 1 and 2 that the side collector pans 15 and 16 overhang their respective ties by a considerable amount. Therefore, it may be desirable to support their outermost edge portions. For purposes of an examplary showing, the side collector pan IS in FIG. 2 is illustrated as being supported by a mudsill 21. This mudsill may be one or more wooden members and may, for example, comprise a plurality of ties in endwise relationship and parallel to the roadbed. The side collector pan 16 may be similarly supported.

On the outside of rail 5, additional side collector pans 22 and 23 are shown. To illustrate the versatility of the structure, it will be noted that the side collector pans 22 and 23 are shown as being of the same length as the side collector pans l5 and 16, but of greater width. The side collector pan 22 has upstanding edges 22a, 22b and 22c, similar to the corresponding upstanding edges of the pan 15. Similarly, the side collector pan 23 has upstanding edges 23a, 23b and 230 corresponding to the upstanding edges 16a through 16c of pan 16. Again the outermost edges 22a and 23a may be slightly higher than the remaining upstanding edges.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the side collector pan 22 is provided with a longitudinally extending angle iron 24 along its upstanding edge 22b. Thus, it is afiixed to the ties upon which it rests in the same manner described with respect to pans l5 and 16, i.e., by lag bolts passing through the angle iron 24. One such lag bolt is indicated at 25. It will be understood that the side collector pan 23 will be similarly aflixed to the ties upon which it rests. Furthermore, the outermost edge portions of pans 22 and 23 may be supported by mudsills (not shown) similar to that shown at 21 in FIG. 2.

Centrally of the fluid collection assembly there is a cross drain generally indicated at 26. As is most clearly shown in FIG. 3, the cross drain 26 is a channel-shaped member having upstanding edges 26a and 26b and upstanding ends 260 and 26d (see FIGS. 1 and 2). This trough-like structure is located between a pair of adjacent ties indicated in FIG. 3 at 2a nd 2b. The cross drain 26 extends the full width of the fluid collection assembly.

It will be evident from the Figures that the adjacent ends of side collector pans 22 and 23, central collector pans 7 and 8 and side collector pans 15 and 16 overlap the upstanding edges 26a and 26b of the cross drain. The edges of all of the collector pans which overlap the cross drain may be provided with downwardly depending drip lips. Thus, FIG. 3 shows the drip lips 27 and 28 for side collector pans and 16 respectively. FIG. 2 illustrates the drip lips 29 and 30 of central collector pan 7 and side collector pan 22, respectively.

At one end, the cross drain 26 has a perforation 31 in its bottom surface which is surrounded by a downwardly depending fitting 32 adapted to make a telescoping connection with an underground drain system (not shown). The underground drain system may lead to a fluid disposal facility, a fluid recovery facility or the like. Above the perforation 31, the cross drain 26 may have a foraminuous or screen-like member 33 to prevent trash, debris or foreign matter from entering the underground drain system.

The fluid collection assembly of the present invention further incorporates pairs of rail aprons, affixed to the rails and draining into the adjacent collector pins. Thus, in FIG. 1, rail 6 is illustrated as having affixed thereto pairs of rail aprons 34-35 and 36-37. Similarly, rail 5 is provided with pairs of rail aprons 38-39 and 40-41.

The rail aprons 34 through 41 are substantially identical, so that reference is herein made to FIG. 4 illustrating an exemplarly manner in which all of the rail aprons may be affixed to their respective rails. FIG. 4 shows rail aprons 34 and affixed to the web portion of rail 6. First of all, it will be noted that rail aprons 34 and 35 are identical, having a Z-shaped cross section. Thus, rail apron 34 has a central portion 34a terminating at one end in a downwardly depending flange 34b and at the other end in an upwardly extending flange 340. It will be noted that the central portion 34a is of such length that the downwardly depending flange 34b overlaps and extends down into the side collector pan 16.

Similarly, apron 35 has a central portion 35a terminating at one end in a downwardly depending flange 35b which overlaps and extends into central collector pan 8. At its other end, the portion 35a terminates in an upwardly extending flange 350. The flanges 34c and 350 of the rail aprons are adapted to lie along the web of rail 6. The upstanding flange 340 has a plurality of perforations therein, one of which is shown at 42. Similarly, the upstanding flange 35c has a plurality of perforations, one of which is shown at 43. The web of rail 6 will be provided with corresponding perforations, one of which is illustrated at 44. In this way, the rail aprons 34 and 35 may be affixed to the rail web by a plurality of bolts passing through the perforations in the flanges 34a and 35c and the rail web. One such bolt is illustrated at 45, having a nut 46.

There are two important facets with respect to the juncture of the rail aprons and the web of the rail. First of all, it is desirable that each rail apron make a fluid tight seal with its respective rail web. Secondly, since it is common practice for the rails to carry current for signals and the like, it is desirable that the rail aprons be electrically insulated from the rail web.

To this end, FIG. 4 illustrates one way in which the rail apron 34 and 35 may be electrically insulated from the rail 6 and make a water tight seal with the web portion thereof.

Each perforation 44 through the rail web is provided with a pair of insulative bushings 47 and 48. Each insulative bushing has a cylindrical portion adapted to be received within the rail web perforation 44 and an annular rim adapted to lie against the outside surface of the rail web. The bushings have an internal diameter such as to properly receive the bolt 45. The bushings 47 and 48 may be made of any suitable insulative material such as nylon or the like.

Between the upstanding flange 340 of rail apron 34 and the web of rail 6 there is located a gasket 49. During installation the gasket 49 will have a plurality of perforation formed therein adapted to receive the annular flanges of the bushings 47. The gasket 49 extends the full length of the flange 340. It may have an out turned portion 49a adapted to lie along the top of the flange 340. The portion 49a serves not only to enhance the water tight seal formed by the gasket 49 between the flange 34c and the rail web, but also aids in properly locating the gasket 49 during assembly of the rail apron to the rail.

Between the upstanding flange 35c of rail apron 35 and the rail web there will be a gasket 50 which may be identical to the gasket 49. The gaskets 49 and 50 may be made of any suitable insulative and moisture resistant material such as neoprene or the like. Finally, on the outside surfaces of the flanges 34c and 350 the bolt may carry standard washers 51 and 52, if desired. From the above description it will be noted that both the bushings 47 and 48 and the gaskets 49 and 50 serve to electrically insulate the bolt 45, nut 46, washers 51 and 52 and rail aprons 34 and 35 from the rail 6. In addition, the gaskets 49 and 50 insure a fluid tight seal between the rail aprons and the rail web.

As was noted above, the downwardly depending flange portions 34b and 35b of the rail aprons extend beyond and into the collector pans 16 and 8, respectively. Thus, the rail aprons will drain into these collector pans. Since the rails aprons are separate from and spaced from the collector pans, any shifting of the rail aprons by virtue of expansion or contraction or other movement of the rail 6 will not interfere with their proper draining or interfere with the leak proof characteristics of the fluid collection assembly.

All of the remaining rail aprons will be affixed to their respective rail webs in an identical manner. They will also have downwardly depending flange portion overlapping the adjacent collector pans. Thus, rail aprons 38 and 39 will drain into center collector pan 8 j and side collector pan 23 respectively. Rail aprons 36 and 37 will drain into side collector pan 15 and central collector pan 7, respectively. Finally, rail aprons 40 and 41 will drain into central collector pan 7 and side collector pan 22, respectively. The adjacent ends of the rail aprons, over the cross drain 26, may be provided with flashing, if desired. Thus, in FIG. 9 flashing is illustrated in association with the adjacent ends of rail aprons 39 and 41 at 54. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates flashing applied to the adjacent ends of rail aprons 34 and 36, at 54.

To complete the fluid collection assembly, walk way gratings may be'applied thereto, particularly over the cross drain 26. Such walk gratings are illustrated at 55, 56 and 57 in FIG. 1. The gratings, themselves, may be of any suitable and well known type. Generally, they will be of open work construction and may be provided with non-slip means. The grating 55 is illustrated in FIG. 2. It will be noted that its innermost end rests upon the rail aprons 41 and 39 (see FIG. 1). Its outermost end rest upon the upstanding edges 22a and 23a of side collector pans 22 and 23, respectively. In order to prevent longitudinal movement of the grating 55, it may and 59 adapted to lie on either side of the upstanding pan edges 22a and 23a.

The central grating 56 will normally rest upon rail aprons 35 and 37 at one end and rail aprons 38 and 40 at the other end. Stop means may be provided on the underside of grating 56 which will cooperate with the down turned flanges of the last mentioned rail aprons to prevent longitudinal movement of the grating. One such stop means is shown at 60 in FIG. 2. Finally, the grating 57 may be applied to the fluid collection assembly in the same manner described with respect to grating 55.

When desired, end plates may be affixed to the cross drain ends 260 and 26d to assure that ballast, sand and other foreign material is not knocked into the cross drain. One such end plate is illustrated at 61 in FIG. 2.

FIG. illustrates the manner in which the fluid collection assemblies of FIG. 1 may be joined in end-toend relationship to make a continuous fluid collection system. FIG. 5 illustrates three fluid collector assemblies, generally indicated at 62, 63 and 64. Like parts have been given like index numerals.

It will be understood that all of the assemblies 62, 63 and 64 will be identical to that of FIG. 1 and affixed to the roadbed in the same way. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and illustrates the abutment of the upstanding edge 70 of central collector pan 7 of assembly 63 and the upstanding edge 80 of central collector pan 8 of assembly 62. The top of edges 70 and 8c are covered by a U-shaped flashing member 65. The downwardly depending leg portions of the flashing member 65 and the upstanding edges 7c and 8c have a plurality of coaxial perforations therein adapted to receive fastening means such as the nut and bolt shown at 66 and 67. It will be understood that similar fastening means and flashing many be provided in association with the abutting ends of all of the collector pans of the assemblies 62, 63 and 64. Adjacent ends of the rail aprons of the assemblies may also be provided with flashing. This is indicated in FIG. 5 at 68. In this way, any'number of fluid collection assemblies may be joined in endwise relationship to form a continuous leak-proof collection system.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGS. 7 through 10 is substantially identical to that of FIGS. 1

through 4 with the exception that the side collector pans are narrower. Like parts have been given like index numerals, with the exception that the side collector pans are designated as d, 16d, 22d and 23d, respectively.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate another means for mounting the side collector pans so that no additional support such as the mudsill 21 of FIG. 2 is required. This is true because the side collector pans are narrower and do not overhang their respective ties by so great an provided with a perforation adapted to receive a lag bolt which anchors it to the cross tie 2. The side collectorpan 15d will be provided with a plurality of the angle iron supports 69, in parallel spaced relationship throughout its length. For example, the collector pan 15d may have such a support engaging each tie upon which the pan rests. Alternatively, it may have a sufficient number of angle iron supports 69 to only selected ones of the ties 2.

It will be understood that the remaining side collector pans will similarly be provided with angle iron support members affixed to the ties. Thus, FIG. 9 shows an angle iron support 69 affixed to the side collector pan 16d and resting on the tie 2b. In all other respects, the embodiment of FIGS. 7 through 10 is identical to that of FIGS. 1 through 4. A plurality of assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 7 may be joined together to form a continuous fluid collection system, as described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the rail aprons and the collector pans are integral. FIG. 11 is a transverse cross sectional view through the center of a fluid collection assembly. In this embodiment, a tie is shown at 70 supporting a pair of tie plates 71 and 72 in which rails 73 and 74 are mounted. A cross drain is shown at 75 with a telescoping pipe connection 76. The cross drain 75 may be identical to the cross drain 26 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

A first side collector pan is illustrated at 77. The side collector pan has a relatively tall longitudinal side wall 78, a relatively short end wall 79 and a relatively short longitudinal side wall 80 terminating in an integral upwardly and outwardly sloping portion constituting a rail apron 81.

In this embodiment, each tie upon which the side collector pan 77 rests, or selected ones of such ties, is provided with angle iron support, one of which is shown at 82. The end of each support 82 nearest the rail 73 has a perforation adapted to receive a lag bolt 83 extending into the tie 70 (see also FIG. 13). Each lag bolt 83 also carries a Z-shaped clip 84. The side wall 80 of the pan 77 has affixed thereto a longitudinally extending angle iron 85. The horizontal leg of the angle iron 85 is adapted to slip under and be engaged by the clips 84.

The side wall 78 of the pan 77 has affixed thereto a longitudinally extending angle iron member 86 (see FIG. 14). Each angle iron support 82 has in its outermost end a slot as shown at 87 in FIG. 14. The angle iron member 86 has a plurality of perforations therein adapted to cooperate with the slots 87 in the angle iron supports 82. Once the side collector pan 77 has been placed in the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the angle iron member 86 may be affixed to the angle iron supports 82 by means of bolt and nut assemblies, one of which is shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 at 88 and 89. Since the perforations in the outside ends of the angle iron supports 82 are in the form of slots, the side collector pan 77 and integral rail apron 81 may be adjusted in position so that a proper seal is made between the rail apron 81 and the rail 73.

FIG. 12 illustrates the rail 73 and rail apron 81. It will be noted that the rail apron terminates in an upturned flange 81a. This flange has a gasket means 90 affixed thereto. The gasket means 90 is intended to make a fluid tight seal with the web of rail 73 and to insulate rail apron 81 from the rail.

A side collector -pan 77a is illustrated adjacent the rail 74. The side collector pan 77a is a mirror image of the side collector pan 77, but in all other respects is identical to it and is mounted in the same way. Thus, like parts have been given like index numerals.

As in the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 3, the side collector pans 77-and 77a will overlap the cross drain and will be provided with drip lips extending into the cross drain. The drip lip for collector pan 77 is not shown. The drip lip for collector pan 77a is shown at 91.

In the assembly of FIG. 1, there is a single central collector pan on either side of the cross drain. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 1, however, there is a pair of central collector pans on either side of the cross drain. One such pair is illustrated at 92 and 92a. The central collector pan 92 has an upturned longitudinal edge 93, an upturned end edge 94 and another upturned longitudinal edge 95. The edge 95 terminates in an integral upwardly and outwardly sloping rail apron 96. The rail apron 96 is provided with a gasket means 90, identical to that described with respect to FIG. 12. The upturned longitudinal edge 95 of the collector pan 92 has a longitudinally extending angle iron member 97 affixed thereto. Each of the ties upon which the rail pan 92 rests, or selected one of them, has a Z-clip affixed thereto by lag bolts. One such Z-clip is illustrated at 98, held in place by lag bolt 99. It will be understood that the Z-clips 98 are substantially identical to the Z-clips 84 of FIGS. 11 and 13.

The upstanding edge 93 of the central collector pan 92 has affixed thereto a longitudinally extending bracket 100. The bracket 100 has an upper flange portion 100a extending inwardly of the collector pan 92 and a lower flange portion 100b extending outwardly of the collector pan. The flange portion 100b is suitably perforated so that once the collector pan 92 has been properly positioned with its angle iron member 97 engaged in the Z-clips 98, the flange portion lb may be affixed to all or selected ones of the ties upon which it rests by lag bolts, one of which is shown at 101.

The central collector pan 92a is a mirror image of the collector pan 92 and is otherwise identical thereto. It is also mounted in the same manner described with respect to collector pan 92. Therefore, like parts have been given like index numerals. Once the central collector pans 92 and 92a have been properly located and fastened to their respective ties, a flashing 102 may be placed across the upper flange portions 100a of their respective brackets 100. The flashing 102 may be held in place by any suitable means such as nut and bolt assemblies 103 and 104. Central collector pans 92 and 92a will also have drip lips. The drip lip of pan 92a is shown at 92b.

It will be understood that there will be another set of collector pans equivalent to pans 77, 92, 92a and 77a on the opposite side of the continuous cross drain, to make a full fluid collector assembly of the general type shown in FIG. 1. Assemblies of the type illustrated in FIG. 11 can be joined in endwise relationship to form a continuous fluid collection system of the type shown in FIG. 5. Finally, the fluid collection assembly of FIG. 11 may be provided with walk way gratings equivalent to the gratings 55, 56 and 57 of FIG. 1. Such gratings are illustrated in FIG. 11. A first grating 105, is supported at one end by the upstanding edge 78 of side collector pan 77 and at the other end by the rail apron 81. Stop means a and 105b are affixed to the grating and are intended to lie on either side of the upstanding edge 78 to prevent longitudinal movement of the grating. A second grating is shown at 106 over the side collector pan 77a. This grating is substantially identical to the grating 105 and is mounted in the same way. A third grating 107 is shown spanning the central collector pans 92 and 92a. This grating is supported at its ends by the aprons 96. Stop means 107a and 107b are provided to cooperate with the flange portions 100a of the brackets 100 to prevent longitudinal movement of the grating. If the gratings 105, 106 and 107 are intended to be positioned over the cross drain, as is true of the embodiment of FIG. 1, it will be understood that a portion of them will be supported as shown and the remainder of them will be supported in a similar fashion by the collector pans and rail aprons located on the opposite side of the cross drain 75. 1

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating a rail apron separate from the adjacent collector pan and affixed to the ties by bracket means. In this Figure, a tie is shown at 109 supporting a conventional tie plate 110 and a rail 111. A collector pan is shown at 112. The upstanding end edge of the pan is indicated at 112a and one of its longitudinal upstanding edges is shown at 112b. The collector pan 112 may be either a side collector pan or a central collector pan similar, for example, to those described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. through 5. The longitudinaledge 112b may have affixed thereto an angle iron member 113 having a series of perforations (one of which is shown at 114) by which it is affixed to the tie 109 by lag bolts (one of which is shown at 115).

Each lag bolt 115 also mounts a U-shaped bracket or support 116, the legs of which terminate in out turned, horizontal support flanges 116a and 116b. The flange 116a has a slot 117 therein, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

A rail apron is generally indicated at 118. The rail apron has a horizontal portion 1 18a terminating at one end in a down turned flange 1185 and at the other end in an upwardly sloping portion 118s. The free end of the portion 1180 supports a gasket 119 extending the length of the rail apron and adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the web of the rail 1 1 1 and to electrically insulate the apron 118 from the rail. Again, the gasket 1 19 may be made of any suitable material such as neoprene.

The horizontal portion 118a of the apron 118 is adapted to be supported by the flanges 116a and 116b of the supports 116. At the position of each such support, the horizontal portion 118a of the rail apron is provided with a perforation 120 adapted to overlie the slot 117 in the support flange 116a. The rail apron 118 is held in position on the supports 116 through the use of fastening means such as machine screw and nuts, one of which is shown at 121 and 121a. Each machine screw 121 may carry a washer 122 of neoprene or the like and a metallic washer 123. However, it will be noted that screw 121 overlies pan 112 so that any fluid passing through perforation 120 and slot 117 will be caught by the pan.

Since each of the supports 116 has a slot 117 in its flange 116a, this permits adjustment of the position of the rail apron to assure the formation of a fluid tight derstood by one skilled in the art that instead of individual supports 1 16, a single, continuous support of the same cross sectional configuration and of a length sub.- stantially equal to the length of the apron may be used.

It will be understood from FIG. 15 that a similar series of supports and a similar rail apron will be provided on either side of both rails, forming a fluid collection assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1. As is true of all of the embodiments herein taught, fluid collection assemblies of the type described with respect to FIG. 15 may be joined in end-to-end relationship to form a continuous fluid collection system. Furthermore, grating may be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 15, similar to the gratings 55, 56 and 57 in FIG. 1. Such a grating is fragmentarily illustrated at 124. It will be noted that the horizontal portion 118a provides a support surface for the grating. The grating may have a stop 125 affixed thereto to cooperate with the downtumed flange 11812 of the rail apron to prevent longitudinal movement of the grating.

Modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit of it. For example, in all of the embodiments taught herein gratings may be applied at any position or positions along the length of each fluid collection assembly. Furthermore, grating means may be provided to completely cover the side collector pans or central collector pans, or both. Such gratings may be supported in the same manner described with respect to the various embodiments.

It is also within the scope of the invention to substitute a tube of insulative material and of appropriate length for the bushings 47 and 48. For example, a tube of neoprene or the like could be used.

It will be noted that in the embodiments wherein the rail aprons are bolted to the rail webs, the aprons themselves are spaced from the central and side collector pans. In the remaining embodiments, the rail aprons are not affixed to the rails. These various constructions not only allow for expansion and contraction of the rails, but also for movement of the rails as locomotives and cars pass over them. No movement of the rails will cause bending of the collector pans or will affect the integrity of the leak proof and electrically insulated characteristics of the fluid collector assembly.

In all of the embodiments, the collector pans may be pitched towarded the cross drains into which they are intended to empty. This can be accomplished by approlation for unloading railroad cars having bottom discharge outlets for fluids and the like may require only one or more central collector pans. Where spillage is a problem only at one or both sides of the rails, installation may include one or more side collector pans on one or both sides of the rails. Under these circumstances, rail aprons will be installed only where re-.

quired.

As a typical, but non-limiting example, the installation of FIG. 1 might include only central collector pan 7 and the adjacent aprons 37 and 40. Similarly, it could include central collector pans 7 and 8 and their adjacent rail aprons 35, 38, 37 and 40. Furthermore, the as- Y sembly could include only one of the side collector priately configuring the collector pans or by providing 7 shim means or the like. In instances where the: fluid collection assembly or assemblies are located on a grade, cross drains may be provided and the collector pans may be so arranged that a cross drain is provided at the down hill end of each collector pan. In FIG. 7, for example, if the assembly were considered to be located on a grade rising toward the right hand end of the Figure, it would be possible to exchange side collector pans 22d and 15d and turn central collector pan 7 endfor-end, so that all of these collector pans drained toward the left of the Figure. Then, a second cross drain could be provided at the left end of the Figure so that all of the collector pans drained at their down hill ends.

While all of the embodiments have been described in their most complete from (i.e., with each central collector pan flanked by side collector pans and rail aprons provided for each collector pan), any combination of central and/or side collector pans may be used to suit a particular installation. For example, an instalpans 15, 16, 22 and 25, together with its respective rail apron. Alternatively, all of the side collector pans and their respective rail aprons could be used in the absence of central collector pans 7 and 8 and their respective rail aprons. Finally, one or more of the central collector pans with its respective rail aprons, together with one or more of the side collector pans with its respective rail apron could be used. This total versatility of the various elements making up the fluid collection assembly is present in all of the above described embodiments.

In the embodiments taught above, the rail aprons and collector pans are described as being fabricated of steel, It is within the scope of the present invention to fabricate the rail aprons, or both the rail aprons and the collector pans, of self-insulating material such as plastic, fiber glass or the like. If this were done, it would not be necessary to further electrically insulate the assembly from the rails. However, means would nevertheless be required to form a fluid-tight seal between the rail aprons and the adjacent rail webs.

When the rail aprons 34 and 35 of FIG. 4 are made of metal, the bushings 47 and 48 could nevertheless be eliminated provided the bolts 45 were made of plastic, nylon or other insulative material.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed of the type comprising a plurality of ties supporting a pair of rails, said assembly comprising at least one collector pan affixed to said ties adjacent at least one of said rails and extending longitudinally thereof, a trough-like drain extending transversely of said roadbed and being recessed between an adjacent pair of said ties, means for connecting said transverse drain to a fluid conducting system, said collector pan having an end edge partially overlapping said drain, at least one rail apron extending substantially the length of said collector pan, said rail apron having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of said at least one rail, means for forming a fluid tight seal between said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron and said adjacent rail web, means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron from said adjacent rail web, said rail apron being configured to drain into said collector pan and said collector pan being configured to drain into said transverse drain.

2. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid conducting system is an undergound piping system.

3. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.

4. The structure claimed in claim 3 including one of said rail aprons on either side of said collector pan, each of said rail aprons having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of the adjacent one of said rails, means for forming a fluid tight seal between each of said rail apron edge portions and its respective rail web and means to electrically insulate each of said rail apron edge portions from its respective rail web.

5. The structure claimed in claim 4 wherein said longitudinal edge portion of each of said rail aprons is affixed to the adjacent rail web by bolts, said means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portions of said rail aprons from their respective rail webs comprising resilient gaskets between each of said rail apron edge portions and the adjacent rail web, each of said gaskets extending the length of its respective rail apron edge portion, said gaskets also comprising said means to form said fluid tight seal between each rail apron edge portion and the adjacent rail web.

6. The structure claimed in claim 4 including bracket means affixed to said ties on either side of said collector pan and between said collector pan and said rails, said rail aprons being affixed to said bracket means, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of each of said rail aprons, each of said gasket means extending the length of its respective rail apron edge portion and between its respective edge portion and the adjacent rail web to electrically insu late its respective edge portion from the adjacent rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.

7. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.

8. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron is affixed to said rail web by bolts, said means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron from said web comprising insulative bushings surrounding said bolts and an insulative resilient gasket between said edge portion and said web along the length of said rail apron, said gasket also comprising said means to form a fluid tight seal between said rail apron edge portion and said adjacent rail web.

9. The structure claimed in claim 8 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.

10. The structure claimed in clain 8 wherein collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.

11. The structure claimed in claim 1 including bracket means affixed to said ties between said collector pan and said adjacent rail, said rail apron being affixed to said bracket means, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron, said gasket means extending the length of said edge portion and between said edge portion and said rail web to electrically insulate said edge portion from said rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.

12. The structure claimed in claim 11 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.

13. The structure claimed in claim 11 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.

14. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said rail apron and said collector pan comprise a one piece integral structure, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron, said gasket means extending the length of said edge portion and between said edge portion and said rail web to electrically insulate said edge portion from said rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.

15. The structure claimed in claim 14 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails,

16. The structure claimed in claim 14 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.

17. The structure claimed in claim 1 including additional fluid collection assemblies in end wise relationship.

18. The structure claimed in claim 17 including one of said transverse drains between each of said fluid collection assemblies.

19. The structure claimed in claim 17 including one of said transverse drains between alternate one of said fluid collection assemblies, the assemblies on each side of each transverse drain draining into that drain.

20. The structure claimed in claim 1 including a pair of said collector pans affixed in side-by-side relationship to said ties between said rails, means to form a fluid tight seal between adjacent longitudinal edges of said pans, a rail apron for and draining into each of said pans, each of said rail aprons and its respective pan comprising an integral one piece structure, each of said rail aprons having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of the adjacent one of said rails, a resilient insulative gasket means on said edge portion of each of said rail aprons, each of said gaskets being located between its respective rail aprons edge portion and the adjacent rail web to form a fluid tight seal therebetween and to electrically insulate its respective edge portion from said adjacent rail web.

21. The structure claimed in claim 1 including walkway means supported by said fluid collection assembly and extending at least partway thereacross.

22. The structure claimed in claim 21 wherein said walkway means overlies said transverse drain.

23. A fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed of the type comprising a plurality of ties supporting a pair of rails, said assembly comprising at least one collector pan affixed to said ties adjacent at least one of said rails and extending longitudinally thereof, a trough-like drain extending transversely of said roadbed and being recessed between an adjacent pair of said ties, means for connecting said transverse drain to a fluid conducting system, said collector pan having an end edge partially overlapping said drain, at least one rail apron extending substantially the length of said collector pan, said rail apron having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of said at least one rail, means for forming a fluid tight seal between said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron and said adjacent rail web, said rail apron being configured to drain into said collector pan and said collector pan being configured to drain into said transverse drain. 

1. A fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed of the type comprising a plurality of ties supporting a pair of rails, said assembly comprising at least one collector pan affixed to said ties adjacent at least one of said rails and extending longitudinally thereof, a trough-like drain extending transversely of said roadbed and being recessed between an adjacent pair of said ties, means for connecting said transverse drain to a fluid conducting system, said collector pan having an end edge partially overlapping said drain, at least one rail apron extending substantially the length of said collector pan, said rail apron having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of said at least one rail, means for forming a fluid tight seal between said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron and said adjacent rail web, means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron from said adjacent rail web, said rail apron being configured to drain into said collector pan and said collector pan being configured to drain into said transverse drain.
 2. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid conducting system is an undergound piping system.
 3. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.
 4. The structure claimed in claim 3 incLuding one of said rail aprons on either side of said collector pan, each of said rail aprons having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of the adjacent one of said rails, means for forming a fluid tight seal between each of said rail apron edge portions and its respective rail web and means to electrically insulate each of said rail apron edge portions from its respective rail web.
 5. The structure claimed in claim 4 wherein said longitudinal edge portion of each of said rail aprons is affixed to the adjacent rail web by bolts, said means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portions of said rail aprons from their respective rail webs comprising resilient gaskets between each of said rail apron edge portions and the adjacent rail web, each of said gaskets extending the length of its respective rail apron edge portion, said gaskets also comprising said means to form said fluid tight seal between each rail apron edge portion and the adjacent rail web.
 6. The structure claimed in claim 4 including bracket means affixed to said ties on either side of said collector pan and between said collector pan and said rails, said rail aprons being affixed to said bracket means, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of each of said rail aprons, each of said gasket means extending the length of its respective rail apron edge portion and between its respective edge portion and the adjacent rail web to electrically insulate its respective edge portion from the adjacent rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.
 7. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.
 8. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron is affixed to said rail web by bolts, said means for electrically insulating said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron from said web comprising insulative bushings surrounding said bolts and an insulative resilient gasket between said edge portion and said web along the length of said rail apron, said gasket also comprising said means to form a fluid tight seal between said rail apron edge portion and said adjacent rail web.
 9. The structure claimed in claim 8 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.
 10. The structure claimed in clain 8 wherein collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.
 11. The structure claimed in claim 1 including bracket means affixed to said ties between said collector pan and said adjacent rail, said rail apron being affixed to said bracket means, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron, said gasket means extending the length of said edge portion and between said edge portion and said rail web to electrically insulate said edge portion from said rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.
 12. The structure claimed in claim 11 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.
 13. The structure claimed in claim 11 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.
 14. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said rail apron and said collector pan comprise a one piece integral structure, resilient insulative gasket means being affixed to said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron, said gasket means extending the length of said edge portion and between said edge portion and said rail web to electrically insulate said edge portion from said rail web and to form said fluid tight seal therebetween.
 15. The structure claimed in claim 14 wherein said collector pan comprises a central collector pan affixed to said ties between said rails.
 16. The structure claimed in claim 14 wherein said collector pan comprises a side collector pan affixed to end portions of said ties adjacent one of said rails.
 17. The structure claimed in claim 1 including additional fluid collection assemblies in end wise relationship.
 18. The structure claimed in claim 17 including one of said transverse drains between each of said fluid collection assemblies.
 19. The structure claimed in claim 17 including one of said transverse drains between alternate one of said fluid collection assemblies, the assemblies on each side of each transverse drain draining into that drain.
 20. The structure claimed in claim 1 including a pair of said collector pans affixed in side-by-side relationship to said ties between said rails, means to form a fluid tight seal between adjacent longitudinal edges of said pans, a rail apron for and draining into each of said pans, each of said rail aprons and its respective pan comprising an integral one piece structure, each of said rail aprons having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of the adjacent one of said rails, a resilient insulative gasket means on said edge portion of each of said rail aprons, each of said gaskets being located between its respective rail aprons edge portion and the adjacent rail web to form a fluid tight seal therebetween and to electrically insulate its respective edge portion from said adjacent rail web.
 21. The structure claimed in claim 1 including walkway means supported by said fluid collection assembly and extending at least partway thereacross.
 22. The structure claimed in claim 21 wherein said walkway means overlies said transverse drain.
 23. A fluid collection assembly for railroad roadbed of the type comprising a plurality of ties supporting a pair of rails, said assembly comprising at least one collector pan affixed to said ties adjacent at least one of said rails and extending longitudinally thereof, a trough-like drain extending transversely of said roadbed and being recessed between an adjacent pair of said ties, means for connecting said transverse drain to a fluid conducting system, said collector pan having an end edge partially overlapping said drain, at least one rail apron extending substantially the length of said collector pan, said rail apron having a longitudinal edge portion adjacent the web of said at least one rail, means for forming a fluid tight seal between said longitudinal edge portion of said rail apron and said adjacent rail web, said rail apron being configured to drain into said collector pan and said collector pan being configured to drain into said transverse drain. 